Therapeutic substituted beta-lactams

ABSTRACT

Compounds comprising  
                 
or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or a prodrugs thereof are disclosed herein; wherein Y, A, X, J, and E are described herein.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a non-provisional application which claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/678,401 filed May 6, 2005 and incorporated in its entirety herein.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Ocular hypotensive agents are useful in the treatment of a number of various ocular hypertensive conditions, such as post-surgical and post-laser trabeculectomy ocular hypertensive episodes, glaucoma, and as presurgical adjuncts.

Glaucoma is a disease of the eye characterized by increased intraocular pressure. On the basis of its etiology, glaucoma has been classified as primary or secondary. For example, primary glaucoma in adults (congenital glaucoma) may be either open-angle or acute or chronic angle-closure. Secondary glaucoma results from pre-existing ocular diseases such as uveitis, intraocular tumor or an enlarged cataract.

Considering all types together, glaucoma occurs in about 2% of all persons over the age of 40 and may be asymptotic for years before progressing to rapid loss of vision. Certain eicosanoids and their derivatives are currently commercially available for use in glaucoma management. Eicosanoids and derivatives include numerous biologically important compounds such as prostaglandins and their derivatives. Prostaglandins can be described as derivatives of prostanoic acid which have the following structural formula:

Various types of prostaglandins are known, depending on the structure and substituents carried on the alicyclic ring of the prostanoic acid skeleton. Further classification is based on the number of unsaturated bonds in the side chain indicated by numerical subscripts after the generic

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of disease characterized by inflammation in the large or small intestines and is manifest in symptoms such as diarrhea, pain, and weight loss. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to be associated with the risk of developing IBD, and recently Kabashima and colleagues have disclosed experimental results which suggested that “EP₄ works to keep mucosal integrity” and “indicated the therapeutic potential of EP₄-selective agonists in prevention and treatment of IBD.” (Kabashima, et. al., The Journal of Clinical Investigation, April 2002, Vol. 9, 883-893)

Prostaglandin EP₄ selective agonists are believed to have several other medical uses. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,552,067 B2 teaches the use of prostaglandin EP4 selective agonists for the treatment of “methods of treating conditions which present with low bone mass, particularly osteoporosis, frailty, an osteoporotic fracture, a bone defect, childhood idiopathic bone loss, alveolar bone loss, mandibular bone loss, bone fracture, osteotomy, bone loss associated with periodontitis, or prosthetic ingrowth in a mammal”.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,586,468 B1 teaches that prostaglandin EP₄ selective agonists “are useful for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of immune diseases (autoimmune diseases (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, Sjoegren's syndrome, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.), post-transplantation graft rejection, etc.), asthma, abnormal bone formation, neurocyte death, pulmopathy, hepatopathy, acute hepatitis, nephritis, renal insufficiency, hypertension, myocardial ischemia, systemic inflammatory syndrome, pain induced by ambustion, sepsis, hemophagocytosis syndrome, macrophage activation syndrome, Still's diseases, Kawasaki diseases, burn, systemic granuloma, ulcerative colititis, Crohn's diseases, hypercytokinemia at dialysis, multiple organ failure, shock, etc. They are also connected with sleeping disorders and platelet coagulations, and therefore they are thought to be useful for these diseases.”

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Compounds comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein a dashed line indicates the presence or absence of a bond; -   Y is an organic acid functional group, or an amide or ester thereof     comprising from 0 to 12 carbon atoms; or Y is hydroxymethyl or an     ether thereof comprising from 0 to 12 carbon atoms; or Y is a     tetrazolyl functional group; -   A is —(CH₂)₆—, cis —CH₂CH═CH—(CH₂)₃—, or —CH₂C≡C—(CH₂)₃—, wherein 1     or 2 carbon atoms may be substituted with S or O; or A is     —(CH₂)_(m)—Ar—(CH₂)_(o)— wherein Ar is interarylene or     heterointerarylene, the sum of m and o is from 1 to 4, and wherein     one CH₂ may be substituted with S or O; -   Z is S or O; -   J is CHOH, C═O, CH₂CHOH, or CH₂C═O; -   E is hydrocarbyl or heterohydrocarbyl; and -   said compound does not consist of     wherein R is H or methyl.

While not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way, compounds having the stereochemistry indicated in the structure below are contemplated.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs of compounds of the structure above are also considered.

A person of ordinary skill in the art understands the meaning of the stereochemistry associated with the hatched wedge/solid wedge structural features. For example, an introductory organic chemistry textbook (Francis A. Carey, Organic Chemistry, New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company 1987, p. 63) states “a wedge indicates a bond coming from the plane of the paper toward the viewer” and the hatched wedge “represents a bond receding from the viewer.”

In the structural representations of the compounds disclosed herein, a dashed line represents the presence or absence of a bond. In other words, the structure shown above represents any compound which may be described by one of the structures shown below, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

Other embodiments are described by one of the structures below, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

An organic acid functional group is an acidic functional group on an organic molecule. While not intending to be limiting, organic acid functional groups generally comprise an oxide of carbon, sulfur, or phosphorous. Thus, while not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way, in certain compounds Y is a carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid, or phosphonic acid functional group, i.e. one of the structures shown below.

Salts of any of these acids of any pharmaceutically acceptable form are also contemplated.

Additionally, an amide or ester of one of the organic acids shown above comprising from 0 to 12 carbon atoms is also contemplated. In an ester, a hydrocarbyl moiety replaces a hydrogen atom of an acid such as in a carboxylic acid ester, e.g. CO₂R². In an amide, an amine group replaces an OH of the acid. An amine is a moiety with a central nitrogen that has exactly three bonds to C or H. Examples of amides include CON(R²)₂, CON(OR²)R², CON(CH₂CH₂OH)₂, and CONH(CH₂CH₂OH). Moieties such as CONHSO₂R² are also amides of the carboxylic acid notwithstanding the fact that they may also be considered to be amides of the sulfonic acid R²—SO₃H.

While not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way, Y may also be hydroxymethyl or an ether thereof comprising from 0 to 12 carbon atoms. Thus, compounds having a structure shown below are possible.

Additionally, ethers of these compounds are also possible. An ether is a functional group wherein a hydrogen of an hydroxyl is replaced by carbon, e.g., Y is CH₂OCH₃, CH₂OCH₂CH₃, etc.

Finally, while not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way, Y may be a tetrazolyl functional group, such as compounds having a structure according to the formula below.

If R² is hydrogen, the tetrazolyl functional group has two tautomeric forms, which can rapidly interconvert in aqueous or biological media, and are thus equivalent to one another. These tautomers are shown below.

Additionally, if R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl, phenyl, or biphenyl, other isomeric forms of the tetrazolyl functional group such as the one shown below are also possible, all of these are considered to be within the scope of the term “tetrazolyl”.

While not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way, in one embodiment, Y is selected from the group consisting of CO₂(R²), CON(R²)₂, CON(OR²)R², CON(CH₂CH₂OH)₂, CONH(CH₂CH₂OH), CH₂OH, P(O)(OH)₂, CONHSO₂R², SO₂N(R²)₂, SO₂NHR², and tetrazolyl-R²; wherein R² is independently H, C₁-C₆ alkyl, phenyl, or biphenyl. In another embodiment Y is a carboxylic acid or an amide or ester thereof.

In relation to the identity of A disclosed in the chemical structures presented herein, A is —(CH₂)₆—, cis —CH₂CH═CH—(CH₂)₃—, or —CH₂C≡C—(CH₂)₃—, wherein 1 or 2 carbon atoms may be substituted with S or O; or A is —(CH₂)_(m)—Ar—(CH₂)_(o)— wherein Ar is interarylene or heterointerarylene, the sum of m and o is from 1 to 4, and wherein one CH₂ may be substituted with S or O.

While not intending to be limiting, A may be —(CH₂)₆—, cis —CH₂CH═CH—(CH₂)₃—, or —CH₂C═C—(CH₂)₃—.

Alternatively, A may be a group which is related to one of these three moieties in that any carbon is substituted with S and/or O. For example, while not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way, A may be an S substituted moiety such as one of the following or the like.

Alternatively, while not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way, A may be an O substituted moiety such as one of the following or the like.

Alternatively, while not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way, A may have both an O and an S substituted into the chain, such as one of the following or the like.

Alternatively, while not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way, in certain embodiments A is —(CH₂)_(m)—Ar—(CH₂)_(o)— wherein Ar is interarylene or heterointerarylene, the sum of m and o is from 1 to 4, and wherein one CH₂ may be substituted with S or O. In other words, while not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way,

-   in one embodiment A comprises from 1 to 4 CH₂ moieties and Ar, e.g.     —CH₂—Ar—, —(CH₂)₂—Ar—, —CH₂—ArCH₂—, —CH₂Ar(CH₂)₂—,     —(CH₂)₂—Ar(CH₂)₂—, and the like; or -   A comprises O, from 0 to 3 CH₂ moieties, and Ar, e.g., —O—Ar—,     Ar—CH₂—O—, —O—Ar—(CH₂)₂—, —O—CH₂—Ar—, —O—CH₂—Ar—(CH₂)₂, and the     like; or -   A comprises S, from 0 to 3 CH₂ moieties, and Ar, e.g., —S—Ar—,     Ar—CH₂—S—, —S—Ar—(CH₂)₂—, —S—CH₂—Ar—, —S—CH₂—Ar—(CH₂)₂, and the     like.

Interarylene or heterointerarylene refers to an aryl ring or ring system or a heteroaryl ring or ring system which connects two other parts of a molecule, i.e. the two parts are bonded to the ring in two distinct ring positions. Interarylene or heterointerarylene may be substituted or unsubstituted. Unsubstituted interarylene or heterointerarylene has no substituents other than the two parts of the molecule it connects. Substituted interarylene or heterointerarylene has substitutuents in addition to the two parts of the molecule it connects.

In one embodiment, Ar is substituted or unsubstituted interphenylene, interthienylene, interfurylene, or interpyridinylene. In another embodiment Ar is interphenylene (Ph). In another embodiment A is —(CH₂)₂—Ph—. While not intending to limit scope of the invention in any way, substituents may have 4 or less heavy atoms, or in other words, non hydrogen atoms. Any number of hydrogen atoms required for a particular substituent will also be included. Thus, the substituent may be hydrocarbyl having up to 4 carbon atoms, including alkyl up to C₄, alkenyl, alkynyl, and the like; hydrocarbyloxy up to C₃; CF₃; halo, such as F, Cl, or Br; hydroxyl; NH₂ and alkylamine functional groups up to C₃; other N or S containing substituents; and the like.

In one embodiment A is —(CH₂)_(m)—Ar—(CH₂)_(o)— wherein Ar is interphenylene, the sum of m and o is from 1 to 3, and wherein one CH₂ may be substituted with S or O.

In another embodiment A is —CH₂—Ar—OCH₂—. In another embodiment A is —CH₂—Ar—OCH₂— and Ar is interphenylene. In another embodiment, Ar is attached at the 1 and 3 positions, such as when A has the structure shown below.

In another embodiment A is —(CH₂)₆—, cis —CH₂CH═CH—(CH₂)₃—, or —CH₂C≡C—(CH₂)₃—, wherein 1 or 2 carbon atoms may be substituted with S or O; or A is —(CH₂)₂—Ph— wherein one CH₂ may be substituted with S or O.

In another embodiment A is —(CH₂)₆—, cis —CH₂CH═CH—(CH₂)₃—, or —CH₂C≡C—(CH₂)₃—, wherein 1 or 2 carbon atoms may be substituted with S or O; or A is —(CH₂)₂—Ph—.

Thus, compounds according to the structure below, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof, are possible.

J is CHOH, C═O, CH₂CHOH, or CH₂C═O. Thus, compounds such as those represented by the formulas below, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof, are possible.

E is hydrocarbyl or heterohydrocarbyl.

Hydrocarbyl is a moiety consisting of only carbon and hydrogen, and includes, but is not limited to alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and the like, and in some cases aryl, and combinations thereof.

-   Alkyl is hydrocarbyl having no double or triple bonds including: -   linear alkyl such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl,     n-hexyl, and the like; -   branched alkyl such as isopropyl, branched butyl isomers (i.e.     sec-butyl, tert-butyl, etc), branched pentyl isomers (i.e.     isopentyl, etc), branched hexyl isomers, and higher branched alkyl     fragments; -   cycloalkyl such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl,     cycloheptyl, etc.; and -   alkyl fragments consisting of both cyclic and noncyclic components,     whether linear or branched, which may be attached to the remainder     of the molecule at any available position including terminal,     internal, or ring carbon atoms. -   Alkenyl is hydrocarbyl having one or more double bonds including -   linear alkenyl, branched alkenyl, cyclic alkenyl, and combinations     thereof in analogy to alkyl. -   Alkynyl is hydrocarbyl having one or more triple bonds including     linear alkynyl, branched alkynyl, cyclic alkynyl and combinations     thereof in analogy to alkyl. -   Aryl is an unsubstituted or substituted aromatic ring or ring system     such as phenyl, naphthyl, biphenyl, and the like. -   Aryl may or may not be hydrocarbyl, depending upon whether it has     substituents with heteroatoms. -   Arylalkyl is alkyl which is substituted with aryl. In other words     alkyl connects aryl to the remaining part of the molecule. Examples     are —CH₂-Phenyl, —CH₂—CH₂-Phenyl, and the like. Arylalkyl may or may     not be hydrocarbyl, depending upon whether it has substituents with     heteroatoms. -   Unconjugated dienes or polyenes have one or more double bonds which     are not conjugated. They may be linear, branched, or cyclic, or a     combination thereof. -   Combinations of the above are also possible.

Thus, embodiments are contemplated wherein E is any of the hydrocarbyl moieties disclosed above.

Heterohydrocarbyl is a moiety comprising heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, or heteroatom substituted aryl, or a combination thereof, either alone or in combination with hydrocarbyl and/or aryl. The following moieties are typical examples.

Heteroalkyl is alkyl having one or more carbon atoms substituted with O or S atoms, provided that no carbon has more than 1 covalent bond to O or S, i.e. there are no C═O, —O—CH₂—O—, —S—CH₂—S—, etc.; and that O and S are only bonded to carbon, i.e. there are no OH, SH, SO₃H, etc.

Heteroatom substituted aryl comprises one or more substituents on the aryl ring or ring system, said substituents comprising one or more atoms which are not H or C.

Heteroatom substituted arylalkyl comprises one or more substituents on the aryl ring or ring system, said substituents comprising one or more atoms which are not H or C.

Heteroaryl is aryl having one or more N, O, or S atoms in the ring, i.e. a ring carbon is substituted by N, O, or S. While not intending to be limiting, examples of heteroaryl include unsubstituted or substituted thienyl, pyridinyl, furyl, benzothienyl, benzofuryl, imidizololyl, indolyl, and the like.

Heteroarylalkyl is alkyl which is substituted with heteroaryl. In other words alkyl connects heteroaryl to the remaining part of the molecule. Examples are —CH₂-thienyl, —CH₂CH₂-benzothienyl, and the like.

Heteroarylheteroalkyl is heteroalkyl which is substituted with heteroaryl. In other words heteroalkyl connects heteroaryl to the remaining part of the molecule. Examples are —CH₂O-thienyl, —CH₂S-benzothienyl, and the like.

Arylheteroalkyl is heteroalkyl which is substituted with aryl. In other words heteroalkyl connects aryl to the remaining part of the molecule. Examples are —CH₂O-phenyl, —CH₂S-naphthyl, and the like.

The substituents of aryl or heteroaryl may have up to 12 non-hydrogen atoms each and as many hydrogen atoms as necessary. Thus, while not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way, the substituents may be:

-   hydrocarbyl, such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and the like, and     combinations thereof; -   hydrocarbyloxy, meaning O-hydrocarbyl such as OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃,     O-cyclohexyl, etc, up to 11 carbon atoms; -   hydroxyhydrocarbyl, meaning hydrocarbyl-OH such as CH₂OH, C(CH₃)₂OH,     etc, up to 11 carbon atoms; -   nitrogen substituents such as NO₂, CN, and the like, including -   amino, such as NH₂, NH(CH₂CH₃OH), NHCH₃, and the like up to 11     carbon atoms; -   carbonyl substituents, such as CO₂H, ester, amide, and the like; -   halogen, such as chloro, fluoro, bromo, and the like -   fluorocarbyl, such as CF₃, CF₂CF₃, etc.; -   phosphorous substituents, such as PO₃ ²⁻, and the like; -   sulfur substituents, including S-hydrocarbyl, SH, SO₃H,     SO₂-hydrocarbyl, SO₃-hydrocarbyl, and the like.

In certain embodiments, the number of non-hydrogen atoms is 6 or less in a substituent. In other embodiments, the number of non-hydrogen atoms is 3 or less in a substituent. In other embodiments, the number of non-hydrogen atoms on a substituent is 1.

In certain embodiments, the substituents contain only hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, halo, nitrogen, and sulfur. In other embodiments, the substituents contain only hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, and halo.

Unless otherwise indicated, references to aryl, heteroaryl, phenyl, thienyl, benzothienyl, and the like are intended to mean both the substituted and the unsubstituted moiety.

In one embodiment E is aryl, heteroaryl, CH₂-aryl, CH₂-heteroaryl, CH₂CH₂-aryl, CH₂CH₂-heteroaryl, CH₂S-aryl, CH₂S-heteroaryl, CH₂O-aryl, or CH₂O-heteroaryl.

Thus, compounds according to the structure below are contemplated

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof,

-   wherein Ar is aryl, heteroaryl, CH₂-aryl, CH₂-heteroaryl, O-aryl,     O-heteroaryl, S-aryl, or S-heteroaryl.

Thus, compound according to the structures below, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof, are contemplated.

In another embodiment E is CH₂-phenyl, CH₂-thienyl, CH₂-naphthyl, CH₂CH₂-benzothienyl, CH₂CH₂-naphthyl, CH₂O-benzothienyl, CH₂O-naphthyl, CH₂S-benzothienyl, or CH₂S-naphthyl.

One embodiment comprises.

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein R² is monocyclic aryl or heteroaryl.

Monocyclic aryl or heteroaryl has one ring.

Thus, compounds such as those shown below, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof, are possible, wherein R¹ is C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ O-alkyl, chloro, fluoro, bromo, or CF₃, and n is from 0 to 2.

In other embodiments R² is thienyl or phenyl.

Other embodiments comprise

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein R³ is bicyclic aryl or heteroaryl; and -   X is CH₂, O, or S.

Bicyclic aryl or heteroaryl has two rings.

Thus, compounds such as those shown below, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof, are possible, wherein R¹ is C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ O-alkyl, chloro, fluoro, bromo, or CF₃, and n is from 0 to 2.

In other embodiments, R³ is naphthyl or benzothienyl.

Other compounds comprise

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In one embodiment, E is not pentyl. In another embodiment E is not alkyl of 3 to 7 carbons. In another embodiment, E is not linear alkyl. In another embodiment E is not alkyl.

In another embodiment, Y is not CO₂R wherein R is hydrogen or methyl. In another embodiment, Y is not a carboxylic acid or an ester thereof.

Other embodiments comprise a compound shown below wherein, R⁴ is hydrogen or methyl.

The compounds disclosed herein do not consist of

wherein R is hydrogen or alkyl. In other embodiments, R is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl. In other embodiments, R is hydrogen or alkyl.

In other embodiments, the compound is not a compound shown below, wherein R is hydrogen or alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

Other embodiments include compounds such as the ones shown below, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof.

Certain compounds comprise

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein R⁵ is aryl, heteroaryl, CH₂-aryl, O-aryl, S-aryl,     CH₂-heteroaryl, O-heteroaryl, or S-heteroaryl.

Another compound is

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

Another compound is

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

Another compound is

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

Another compound is

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

While not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way, it is believed that the compounds disclosed herein will be selective prostaglandin EP2 OR EP4 agonists.

The compounds disclosed herein are useful for the prevention or treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension in mammals, or for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension. They are also useful for the treatment of those diseases disclosed in the art as being amenable to treatment by prostaglandin EP2 OR EP4 agonist, such as the ones listed previously.

A “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” is any salt that retains the activity of the parent compound and does not impart any additional deleterious or untoward effects on the subject to which it is administered and in the context in which it is administered compared to the parent compound. A pharmaceutically acceptable salt also refers to any salt which may form in vivo as a result of administration of an acid, another salt, or a prodrug which is converted into an acid or salt.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of acidic functional groups may be derived from organic or inorganic bases. The salt may comprise a mono or polyvalent ion. Of particular interest are the inorganic ions, lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Organic salts may be made with amines, particularly ammonium salts such as mono-, di- and trialkyl amines or ethanol amines. Salts may also be formed with caffeine, tromethamine and similar molecules. Hydrochloric acid or some other pharmaceutically acceptable acid may form a salt with a compound that includes a basic group, such as an amine or a pyridine ring.

A “prodrug” is a compound which is converted to a therapeutically active compound after administration, and the term should be interpreted as broadly herein as is generally understood in the art. While not intending to limit the scope of the invention, conversion may occur by hydrolysis of an ester group or some other biologically labile group. Generally, but not necessarily, a prodrug is inactive or less active than the therapeutically active compound to which it is converted. Ester prodrugs of the compounds disclosed herein are specifically contemplated. An ester may be derived from a carboxylic acid of C1 (i.e. the terminal carboxylic acid of a natural prostaglandin), or an ester may be derived from a carboxylic acid functional group on another part of the molecule, such as on a phenyl ring. While not intending to be limiting, an ester may be an alkyl ester, an aryl ester, or a heteroaryl ester. The term alkyl has the meaning generally understood by those skilled in the art and refers to linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl moieties. C₁₋₆ alkyl esters are particularly useful, where alkyl part of the ester has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and includes, but is not limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, t-butyl, pentyl isomers, hexyl isomers, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and combinations thereof having from 1-6 carbon atoms, etc.

Those skilled in the art will readily understand that for administration or the manufacture of medicaments the compounds disclosed herein can be admixed with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients which per se are well known in the art. Specifically, a drug to be administered systemically, it may be confected as a powder, pill, tablet or the like, or as a solution, emulsion, suspension, aerosol, syrup or elixir suitable for oral or parenteral administration or inhalation.

For solid dosage forms or medicaments, non-toxic solid carriers include, but are not limited to, pharmaceutical grades of mannitol, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharin, the polyalkylene glycols, talcum, cellulose, glucose, sucrose and magnesium carbonate. The solid dosage forms may be uncoated or they may be coated by known techniques to delay disintegration and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and thereby provide a sustained action over a longer period. For example, a time delay material such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate may be employed. They may also be coated by the technique described in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,256,108; 4,166,452; and 4,265,874 to form osmotic therapeutic tablets for control release. Liquid pharmaceutically administrable dosage forms can, for example, comprise a solution or suspension of one or more of the presently useful compounds and optional pharmaceutical adjutants in a carrier, such as for example, water, saline, aqueous dextrose, glycerol, ethanol and the like, to thereby form a solution or suspension. If desired, the pharmaceutical composition to be administered may also contain minor amounts of nontoxic auxiliary substances such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering agents and the like. Typical examples of such auxiliary agents are sodium acetate, sorbitan monolaurate, triethanolamine, sodium acetate, triethanolamine oleate, etc. Actual methods of preparing such dosage forms are known, or will be apparent, to those skilled in this art; for example, see Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., 16th Edition, 1980. The composition of the formulation to be administered, in any event, contains a quantity of one or more of the presently useful compounds in an amount effective to provide the desired therapeutic effect.

Parenteral administration is generally characterized by injection, either subcutaneously, intramuscularly or intravenously. Injectables can be prepared in conventional forms, either as liquid solutions or suspensions, solid forms suitable for solution or suspension in liquid prior to injection, or as emulsions. Suitable excipients are, for example, water, saline, dextrose, glycerol, ethanol and the like. In addition, if desired, the injectable pharmaceutical compositions to be administered may also contain minor amounts of non-toxic auxiliary substances such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering agents and the like.

The amount of the presently useful compound or compounds administered is, of course, dependent on the therapeutic effect or effects desired, on the specific mammal being treated, on the severity and nature of the mammal's condition, on the manner of administration, on the potency and pharmacodynamics of the particular compound or compounds employed, and on the judgment of the prescribing physician.

A liquid which is formulated for topical ophthalmic administration is formulated such that it can be administered topically to the eye. The comfort should be maximized as much as possible, although sometimes formulation considerations (e.g. drug stability) may necessitate less than optimal comfort. In the case that comfort cannot be maximized, the liquid should be formulated such that the liquid is tolerable to the patient for topical ophthalmic use. Additionally, an ophthalmically acceptable liquid should either be packaged for single use, or contain a preservative to prevent contamination over multiple uses.

For ophthalmic application, solutions or medicaments are often prepared using a physiological saline solution as a major vehicle. Ophthalmic solutions are often maintained at a comfortable pH with an appropriate buffer system. The formulations may also contain conventional, pharmaceutically acceptable preservatives, stabilizers and surfactants.

Preservatives that may be used in the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, benzalkonium chloride, chlorobutanol, thimerosal, phenylmercuric acetate and phenylmercuric nitrate. A useful surfactant is, for example, Tween 80. Likewise, various useful vehicles may be used in the ophthalmic preparations of the present invention. These vehicles include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl alcohol, povidone, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, poloxamers, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose and purified water.

Tonicity adjustors may be added as needed or convenient. They include, but are not limited to, salts, particularly sodium chloride, potassium chloride, mannitol and glycerin, or any other suitable ophthalmically acceptable tonicity adjustor.

Various buffers and means for adjusting pH may be used so long as the resulting preparation is ophthalmically acceptable. Accordingly, buffers include acetate buffers, citrate buffers, phosphate buffers and borate buffers. Acids or bases may be used to adjust the pH of these formulations as needed.

In a similar vein, an ophthalmically acceptable antioxidant for use in the present invention includes, but is not limited to, sodium metabisulfite, sodium thiosulfate, acetylcysteine, butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene.

Other excipient components which may be included in the ophthalmic preparations are chelating agents. A useful chelating agent is edetate disodium, although other chelating agents may also be used in place or in conjunction with it.

The ingredients are usually used in the following amounts: Ingredient Amount (% w/v) active ingredient about 0.001-5 preservative   0-0.10 vehicle 0-40 tonicity adjustor 1-10 buffer 0.01-10   pH adjustor q.s. pH 4.5-7.5 antioxidant as needed surfactant as needed purified water as needed to make 100%

For topical use, creams, ointments, gels, solutions or suspensions, etc., containing the compound disclosed herein are employed. Topical formulations may be comprised of a pharmaceutical carrier, cosolvent, emulsifier, penetration enhancer, preservative system, and emollient.

The compounds disclosed herein are also useful in combination with other drugs useful for the treatment of glaucoma or other conditions.

For the treatment of glaucoma, combination treatment with the following classes of drugs are contemplated:

-   β-Blockers (or β-adrenergic antagonists) including carteolol,     levobunolol, metiparanolol, timolol hemihydrate, timolol maleate,     β1-selective antagonists such as betaxolol, and the like, or     pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof; -   Adrenergic Agonists including -   non-selective adrenergic agonists such as epinephrine borate,     epinephrine hydrochloride, and dipivefrin, and the like, or     pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof; and -   α₂-selective adrenergic agonists such as apraclonidine, brimonidine,     and the like, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs     thereof; -   Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors including acetazolamide,     dichlorphenamide, methazolamide, brinzolamide, dorzolamide, and the     like, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof; -   Cholinergic Agonists including -   direct acting cholinergic agonists such as carbachol, pilocarpine     hydrochloride; pilocarbine nitrate, pilocarpine, and the like, or     pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof; -   chlolinesterase inhibitors such as demecarium, echothiophate,     physostigmine, and the like, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or     prodrugs thereof; -   Glutamate Antagonists and other neuroprotective agents such as Ca²⁺     channel blockers such as memantine, amantadine, rimantadine,     nitroglycerin, dextrophan, detromethorphan, CGS-19755,     dihydropyridines, verapamil, emopamil, benzothiazepines, bepridil,     diphenylbutylpiperidines, diphenylpiperazines, HOE 166 and related     drugs, fluspirilene, eliprodil, ifenprodil, CP-101,606, tibalosine,     2309BT, and 840S, flunarizine, nicardipine, nifedimpine, nimodipine,     barnidipine, verapamil, lidoflazine, prenylamine lactate, amiloride,     and the like, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs     thereof; -   Prostamides such as bimatoprost, or pharmaceutically acceptable     salts or prodrugs thereof; and -   Prostaglandins including travoprost, UFO-21, chloprostenol,     fluprostenol, 13,14-dihydro-chloprostenol, isopropyl unoprostone,     latanoprost and the like. -   Cannabinoids including CB1 agonists such as WIN-55212-2 and CP-55940     and the like, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs     thereof.

For treatment of diseases affecting the eye including glaucoma, these compounds can be administered topically, periocularly, intraocularly, or by any other effective means known in the art. Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease may be accomplished by the administration of the compounds described herein to the suffering mammal. Inflammatory bowel disease describes a variety of diseases characterized by inflammation of the bowels including, but not limited to, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Treatment may be accomplished by oral administration, by suppository, or parenteral administration, or some other suitable method.

For the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and similar disorders, the compounds disclosed herein may be used in combination with other therapeutically active agents.

For the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, combination treatment with the following classes of drugs are contemplated:

-   aminosalicylates including sulfasalazaline, mesalazine,     sulfasalazine, mesalamine, Olsalazine, balsalazide -   corticosteroids including methotrexate, cortisone, hydrocortisone,     prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisone, triamcinolone,     fluoromethalone, dexamethasone, medrysone, betamethasone,     loteprednol, fluocinolone, flumethasone, or mometasone

immunomodulators including azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, cyclosporine, and the like. While not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way, delivery of the compounds disclosed herein to the colon via oral dosage forms may be accomplished by any of a number of methods known in the art. For example, reviews by Chourasia and Jain in J Pharm Pharmaceut Sci 6 (1): 33-66, 2003 and Shareef et. al (AAPS PharmSci 2003; 5 (2) Article 17) describe a number of useful methods. While not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way these methods include 1) administration of a prodrug, including an azo or a carbohydrate based prodrug; 2) coating the drug with, or encapsulating or impregnating the drug into a polymer designed for delivery to the colon, 3) time released delivery of the drug, 4) use of a bioadhesive system; and the like.

While not intending to be bound in any way by theory, it is believed that intestinal microflora are capable of reductive cleavage of an azo bond leaving the two nitrogen atoms as amine functional groups. While not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way, the azo prodrug approach has been used to deliver to 5-aminosalicylic acid to the colons of humans in clinical trials for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. It is also believed that bacteria of the lower GI also have enzymes which can digest glycosides, glucuronides, cyclodextrins, dextrans, and other carbohydrates, and ester prodrugs formed from these carbohydrates have been shown to deliver the parent active drugs selectively to the colon. For example, in vivo and in vitro studies on rats and guinea pigs with prodrugs of dexamethasone, prednisolone, hydrocortisone, and fludrocortisone, suggest that glycoside conjugates may be useful for the delivery of steroids to the human colon. Other in vivo studies have suggested that glucouronide, cyclodextrin, and dextran prodrugs of steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are useful for delivery of these drugs to the lower GI tract. An amide of salicylic acid and glutamic acid has been shown to be useful for the delivery of salicylic acid to the colon of rabbit and dog.

While not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way, carbohydrate polymers such as amylase, arabinogalactan, chitosan, chondroiton sulfate, dextran, guar gum, pectin, xylin, and the like, or azo-group containing polymers can be used to coat a drug compound, or a drug may be impregnated or encapsulated in the polymer. It is believed that after oral administration, the polymers remain stable in the upper GI tract, but are digested by the microflora of the lower GI thus releasing the drug for treatment.

Polymers which are sensitive to pH may also be used since the colon has a higher pH than the upper GI tract. Such polymers are commercially available. For example, Rohm Pharmaceuticals, Darmstadt, Germany, markets pH dependent methacrylate based polymers and copolymers which have varying solubilities over different pH ranges based upon the number of free carboxylate groups in the polymer under the tradename Eudragit®. Several Eudragit® dosage forms are currently used to deliver salsalazine for the treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Time release systems, bioadhesive systems, and other delivery systems have also been studied.

In addition to any other embodiments described herein, the following embodiments are specifically contemplated.

Compound Embodiments

Another embodiment is a compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof,

-   wherein Ar is aryl, heteroaryl, CH₂-aryl, CH₂-heteroaryl, O-aryl,     O-heteroaryl, S-aryl, or S-heteroaryl.

Another embodiment is a compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof. Another embodiment is a compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein R² is monocyclic aryl or heteroaryl. In another embodiment     R² is thienyl or phenyl.

Another embodiment is a compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein R³ is bicyclic aryl or heteroaryl; and -   X is CH₂, O, or S. In another embodiment R³ is naphthyl or     benzothienyl.

In another embodiment J is CH₂OH.

In another embodiment J is C═O.

In another embodiment J is CH₂CHOH.

In another embodiment E is not alkyl.

Another embodiment is a compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

Another embodiment is a compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

Another embodiment is a compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

Another embodiment is a compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

Another embodiment is a compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

Another embodiment is a compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

Another embodiment is a compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

Another embodiment is a compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

Another embodiment is a compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

Another embodiment is a compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein R⁵ is aryl, heteroaryl, CH₂-aryl, O-aryl, S-aryl,     CH₂-heteroaryl, O-heteroaryl, or S-heteroaryl.     Methods of Treating Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension

Another embodiment is a method comprising administering an effective amount of a compound to a mammal for the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension, said compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein a dashed line indicates the presence or absence of a bond; -   Y is an organic acid functional group, or an amide or ester thereof     comprising from 0 to 12 carbon atoms; or Y is hydroxymethyl or an     ether thereof comprising from 0 to 12 carbon atoms; or Y is a     tetrazolyl functional group; -   A is —(CH₂)₆—, cis —CH₂CH═CH—(CH₂)₃—, or —CH₂C≡C—(CH₂)₃—, wherein 1     or 2 carbon atoms may be substituted with S or O; or A is     —(CH₂)_(m)—Ar—(CH₂)_(o)— wherein Ar is interarylene or     heterointerarylene, the sum of m and o is from 1 to 4, and wherein     one CH₂ may be substituted with S or O; -   J is CHOH, C═O, CH₂CHOH, or CH₂C═O; and -   E is hydrocarbyl or heterohydrocarbyl.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof,

-   wherein Ar is aryl, heteroaryl, CH₂-aryl, CH₂-heteroaryl, O-aryl,     O-heteroaryl, S-aryl, or S-heteroaryl.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein R² is monocyclic aryl or heteroaryl. In another embodiment     R² is thienyl or phenyl.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein R³ is bicyclic aryl or heteroaryl; and -   X is CH₂, O, or S. In another embodiment R³ is naphthyl or     benzothienyl.

In another embodiment J is CH₂OH.

In another embodiment J is C═O.

In another embodiment J is CH₂CHOH.

In another embodiment E is not alkyl.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein R⁵ is aryl, heteroaryl, CH₂-aryl, O-aryl, S-aryl,     CH₂-heteroaryl, O-heteroaryl, or S-heteroaryl.

Ophthalmic Composition Embodiments

Another embodiment is a composition comprising a compound, said composition being an aqueous liquid which is formulated for topical ophthalmic administration, said compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein a dashed line indicates the presence or absence of a bond; -   Y is an organic acid functional group, or an amide or ester thereof     comprising from 0 to 12 carbon atoms; or Y is hydroxymethyl or an     ether thereof comprising from 0 to 12 carbon atoms; or Y is a     tetrazolyl functional group; -   A is —(CH₂)₆-, cis —CH₂CH═CH—(CH₂)₃—, or —CH₂C≡C—(CH₂)₃—, wherein 1     or 2 carbon atoms may be substituted with S or O; or A is     —(CH₂)_(m)—Ar—(CH₂)_(o)— wherein Ar is interarylene or     heterointerarylene, the sum of m and o is from 1 to 4, and wherein     one CH₂ may be substituted with S or O; -   J is CHOH, C═O, CH₂CHOH, or CH₂C═O; and -   E is hydrocarbyl or heterohydrocarbyl.

In another embodiment, said compound of the composition comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof,

-   wherein Ar is aryl, heteroaryl, CH₂-aryl, CH₂-heteroaryl, O-aryl,     O-heteroaryl, S-aryl, or S-heteroaryl.

In another embodiment, said compound of the composition comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the composition comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein R² is monocyclic aryl or heteroaryl. In another embodiment     R² is thienyl or phenyl.

In another embodiment, said compound of the composition comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein R³ is bicyclic aryl or heteroaryl; and -   X is CH₂, O, or S. In another embodiment R³ is naphthyl or     benzothienyl.

In another embodiment J is CH₂OH.

In another embodiment J is C═O.

In another embodiment J is CH₂CHOH.

In another embodiment E is not alkyl.

In another embodiment, said compound of the composition comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the composition comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the composition comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the composition comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the composition comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the composition comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the composition comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the composition comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the composition comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the composition comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein R⁵ is aryl, heteroaryl, CH₂-aryl, O-aryl, S-aryl,     CH₂-heteroaryl, O-heteroaryl, or S-heteroaryl.

Method of Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease Embodiments

Another embodiment is a method comprising administering an effective amount of a compound for the treatment of an inflammatory bowel disease, said compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein a dashed line indicates the presence or absence of a bond; -   Y is an organic acid functional group, or an amide or ester thereof     comprising from 0 to 12 carbon atoms; or Y is hydroxymethyl or an     ether thereof comprising from 0 to 12 carbon atoms; or Y is a     tetrazolyl functional group; -   A is —(CH₂)₆—, cis —CH₂CH═CH—(CH₂)₃—, or —CH₂C≡C—(CH₂)₃—, wherein 1     or 2 carbon atoms may be substituted with S or O; or A is     —(CH₂)_(m)—Ar—(CH₂)_(o)— wherein Ar is interarylene or     heterointerarylene, the sum of m and o is from 1 to 4, and wherein     one CH₂ may be substituted with S or O; -   J is CHOH, C═O, CH₂CHOH, or CH₂C═O; and -   E is hydrocarbyl or heterohydrocarbyl. In another embodiment said     inflammatory bowel disease is colitis. In another embodiment said     inflammatory bowel disease is Crohn's disease.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof,

-   wherein Ar is aryl, heteroaryl, CH₂-aryl, CH₂-heteroaryl, O-aryl,     O-heteroaryl, S-aryl, or S-heteroaryl.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein R² is monocyclic aryl or heteroaryl. In another embodiment     R² is thienyl or phenyl.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein R³ is bicyclic aryl or heteroaryl; and -   X is CH₂, O, or S. In another embodiment R³ is naphthyl or     benzothienyl.

In another embodiment J is CH₂OH.

In another embodiment J is C═O.

In another embodiment J is CH₂CHOH.

In another embodiment E is not alkyl.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein R⁵ is aryl, heteroaryl, CH₂-aryl, O-aryl, S-aryl,     CH₂-heteroaryl, O-heteroaryl, or S-heteroaryl.

Methods of Manufacturing Medicament Embodiments

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Another embodiment is use of a compound in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of an inflammatory bowel disease, said compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein a dashed line indicates the presence or absence of a bond; -   Y is an organic acid functional group, or an amide or ester thereof     comprising from 0 to 12 carbon atoms; or Y is hydroxymethyl or an     ether thereof comprising from 0 to 12 carbon atoms; or Y is a     tetrazolyl functional group; -   A is —(CH₂)₆—, cis —CH₂CH═CH—(CH₂)₃—, or —CH₂C≡C—(CH₂)₃—, wherein 1     or 2 carbon atoms may be substituted with S or O; or A is     —(CH₂)_(m)—Ar—(CH₂)_(o)— wherein Ar is interarylene or     heterointerarylene, the sum of m and o is from 1 to 4, and wherein     one CH₂ may be substituted with S or O; -   J is CHOH, C═O, CH₂CHOH, or CH₂C═O; and -   E is hydrocarbyl or heterohydrocarbyl.

In another embodiment said inflammatory bowel disease is colitis.

In another embodiment said inflammatory bowel disease is Crohn's disease.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof,

-   wherein Ar is aryl, heteroaryl, CH₂-aryl, CH₂-heteroaryl, O-aryl,     O-heteroaryl, S-aryl, or S-heteroaryl.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein R² is monocyclic aryl or heteroaryl. In another embodiment     R² is thienyl or phenyl.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein R³ is bicyclic aryl or heteroaryl; and -   X is CH₂, O, or S. In another embodiment R³ is naphthyl or     benzothienyl.

In another embodiment J is CH₂OH.

In another embodiment J is C═O.

In another embodiment J is CH₂CHOH.

In another embodiment E is not alkyl.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein R⁵ is aryl, heteroaryl, CH₂-aryl, O-aryl, S-aryl,     CH₂-heteroaryl, O-heteroaryl, or S-heteroaryl.     Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension

Another embodiment is use of a compound in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension, said compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein a dashed line indicates the presence or absence of a bond; -   Y is an organic acid functional group, or an amide or ester thereof     comprising from 0 to 12 carbon atoms; or Y is hydroxymethyl or an     ether thereof comprising from 0 to 12 carbon atoms; or Y is a     tetrazolyl functional group; -   A is —(CH₂)₆—, cis —CH₂CH═CH—(CH₂)₃—, or —CH₂C≡C—(CH₂)₃—, wherein 1     or 2 carbon atoms may be substituted with S or O; or A is     —(CH₂)_(m)—Ar—(CH₂)_(o)— wherein Ar is interarylene or     heterointerarylene, the sum of m and o is from 1 to 4, and wherein     one CH₂ may be substituted with S or O; -   J is CHOH, C═O, CH₂CHOH, or CH₂C═O; and -   E is hydrocarbyl or heterohydrocarbyl.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof,

-   wherein Ar is aryl, heteroaryl, CH₂-aryl, CH₂-heteroaryl, O-aryl,     O-heteroaryl, S-aryl, or S-heteroaryl.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof

-   wherein Ar is aryl, heteroaryl, CH₂-aryl, CH₂-heteroaryl, O-aryl,     O-heteroaryl, S-aryl, or S-heteroaryl.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein R² is monocyclic aryl or heteroaryl. In another embodiment     R² is thienyl or phenyl.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein R³ is bicyclic aryl or heteroaryl; and -   X is CH₂, O, or S. In another embodiment R³ is naphthyl or     benzothienyl.

In another embodiment J is CH₂OH.

In another embodiment J is C═O.

In another embodiment J is CH₂CHOH.

In another embodiment E is not alkyl.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof.

In another embodiment, said compound of the method comprises

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein R⁵ is aryl, heteroaryl, CH₂-aryl, O-aryl, S-aryl,     CH₂-heteroaryl, O-heteroaryl, or S-heteroaryl.

Other Method Embodiments

Another embodiment is a method comprising administering an effective amount of a compound for the maintenance of colonic mucous, said compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein a dashed line indicates the presence or absence of a bond; -   Y is an organic acid functional group, or an amide or ester thereof     comprising from 0 to 12 carbon atoms; or Y is hydroxymethyl or an     ether thereof comprising from 0 to 12 carbon atoms; or Y is a     tetrazolyl functional group; -   A is —(CH₂)₆—, cis —CH₂CH═CH—(CH₂)₃—, or —CH₂C≡C—(CH₂)₃—, wherein 1     or 2 carbon atoms may be substituted with S or O; or A is     —(CH₂)_(m)—Ar—(CH₂)_(o)— wherein Ar is interarylene or     heterointerarylene, the sum of m and o is from 1 to 4, and wherein     one CH₂ may be substituted with S or O; -   J is CHOH, C═O, CH₂CHOH, or CH₂C═O; and -   E is hydrocarbyl or heterohydrocarbyl.

Synthetic Procedures

The compound shown below may be prepared by the procedures described in Chemistry Letters, (2), 293-6; 1987 or U.S. Pat. No. 4,174,316, where the R, α-, or natural amino acid is substituted for the β or S amino acid used in the references. Alternatively, (4R)-N-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)azetidin-2-one-4-carboxylic acid (commercially available from Acros Chemical Company) could be converted in two steps (reduction [e.g. LiBH4, MeOH] and deprotection [e.g 1 N HCl, MeOH] to the compound shown below.

This compound may be used to prepare the compounds disclosed herein according to methods known in the art. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20030207925, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20030120079, U.S. Pat. No. 6,747,037, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,747,054 disclose suitable procedures.

Biological Activity

The activity of compounds disclosed herein is tested according to the following procedures.

Radioligand Binding

Cells Stably Expressing EP₁, EP₂, EP₄ and FP Receptors

HEK-293 cells stably expressing the human or feline FP receptor, or EP₁, EP₂, or EP₄ receptors are washed with TME buffer, scraped from the bottom of the flasks, and homogenized for 30 sec using a Brinkman PT 10/35 polytron. TME buffer is added to achieve a final 40 ml volume in the centrifuge tubes (the composition of TME is 100 mM TRIS base, 20 mM MgCl₂, 2M EDTA; 10N HCl is added to achieve a pH of 7.4).

The cell homogenate is centrifuged at 19000 r.p.m. for 20 min at 4° C. using a Beckman Ti-60 rotor. The resultant pellet is resuspended in TME buffer to give a final 1 mg/ml protein concentration, as determined by Biorad assay. Radioligand binding competition assays vs. [³H-]17-phenyl PGF_(2α) (5 nM) are performed in a 100 μl volume for 60 min. Binding reactions are started by adding plasma membrane fraction. The reaction is terminated by the addition of 4 ml ice-cold TRIS-HCl buffer and rapid filtration through glass fiber GF/B filters using a Brandel cell harvester. The filters are washed 3 times with ice-cold buffer and oven dried for one hour. Non-specific binding is determined with 10 uM unlabeled 17-phenyl PGF_(2α).

[³H-] PGE₂ (5 nM; specific activity 180 Ci mmol) is used as the radioligand for EP receptors. Binding studies employing EP₁, EP₂, EP₃,EP₄ are performed in duplicate in at least three separate experiments. A 200 μl assay volume is used. Incubations are for 60 min at 25° C. and are terminated by the addition of 4 ml of ice-cold 50 mM TRIS-HCl, followed by rapid filtration through Whatman GF/B filters and three additional 4 ml washes in a cell harvester (Brandel). Non-specific binding is determined with 10⁻⁵M of unlabeled PGE₂.

Methods for FLIPR™ Studies

(a) Cell Culture

HEK-293(EBNA) cells, stably expressing one type or subtype of recombinant human prostaglandin receptors (prostaglandin receptors expressed: hDP/Gqs5; hEP₁; hEP₂/Gqs5; hEP_(3A)/Gqi5; hEP₄/Gqs5; hFP; hIP; hTP), are cultured in 100 mm culture dishes in high-glucose DMEM medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum, 2 mM 1-glutamine, 250 μg/ml geneticin (G418) and 200 μg/ml hygromycin B as selection markers, and 100 units/ml penicillin G, 100 μg/ml streptomycin and 0.25 μg/ml amphotericin B.

(b) Calcium Signal Studies on The FLIPR™

Cells are seeded at a density of 5×10⁴ cells per well in Biocoat® Poly-D-lysine-coated black-wall, clear-bottom 96-well plates (Becton-Dickinson) and allowed to attach overnight in an incubator at 37° C. Cells are then washed two times with HBSS-HEPES buffer (Hanks Balanced Salt Solution without bicarbonate and phenol red, 20 mM HEPES, pH 7.4) using a Denley Cellwash plate washer (Labsystems). After 45 minutes of dye-loading in the dark, using the calcium-sensitive dye Fluo-4 AM at a final concentration of 2 μM, plates are washed four times with HBSS-HEPES buffer to remove excess dye leaving 100 μl in each well. Plates are re-equilibrated to 37° C. for a few minutes.

Cells are excited with an Argon laser at 488 nm, and emission is measured through a 510-570 nm bandwidth emission filter (FLIPR™, Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, Calif.). Drug solution is added in a 50 μl volume to each well to give the desired final concentration. The peak increase in fluorescence intensity is recorded for each well. On each plate, four wells each serve as negative (HBSS-HEPES buffer) and positive controls (standard agonists: BW245C (hDP); PGE₂ (hEP₁; hEP₂/Gqs5; hEP_(3A)/Gqi5; hEP₄/Gqs5); PGF_(2α) (hFP); carbacyclin (hIP); U-46619 (hTP), depending on receptor). The peak fluorescence change in each drug-containing well is then expressed relative to the controls.

Compounds are tested in a high-throughput (HTS) or concentration-response (CoRe) format. In the HTS format, forty-four compounds per plate are examined in duplicates at a concentration of 10⁻⁵ M. To generate concentration-response curves, four compounds per plate are tested in duplicates in a concentration range between 10⁻⁵ and 10⁻¹¹ M. The duplicate values are averaged. In either, HTS or CoRe format each compound is tested on at least 3 separate plates using cells from different passages to give an n≧3.

The foregoing description details specific methods and compositions that can be employed to practice the present invention, and represents the best mode contemplated. However, it is apparent for one of ordinary skill in the art that further compounds with the desired pharmacological properties can be prepared in an analogous manner, and that the disclosed compounds can also be obtained from different starting compounds via different chemical reactions. Similarly, different pharmaceutical compositions may be prepared and used with substantially the same result. Thus, however detailed the foregoing may appear in text, it should not be construed as limiting the overall scope hereof; rather, the ambit of the present invention is to be governed only by the lawful construction of the appended claims. 

1. Use of compound in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, said compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof; wherein a dashed line indicates the presence or absence of a bond; Y is an organic acid functional group, or an amide or ester thereof comprising from 0 to 12 carbon atoms; or Y is hydroxymethyl or an ether thereof comprising from 0 to 12 carbon atoms; or Y is a tetrazolyl functional group; A is —(CH₂)₆—, cis —CH₂CH═CH—(CH₂)₃—, or —CH₂C≡C—(CH₂)₃—, wherein 1 or 2 carbon atoms may be substituted with S or O; or A is —(CH₂)_(m)—Ar—(CH₂)_(o)— wherein Ar is interarylene or heterointerarylene, the sum of m and o is from 1 to 4, and wherein one CH₂ may be substituted with S or O; Z is S or O; J is CHOH, C═O, CH₂CHOH, or CH₂C═O; E is hydrocarbyl or heterohydrocarbyl.
 2. Use of claim 1, said compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof, wherein Ar is aryl, heteroaryl, CH₂-aryl, CH₂-heteroaryl, O-aryl, O-heteroaryl, S-aryl, or S-heteroaryl.
 3. Use of claim 2, said compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof; wherein R² is monocyclic aryl or heteroaryl.
 4. Use of claim 3 wherein R² in said compound is thienyl or phenyl.
 5. Use of claim 2, said compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof; wherein R³ is bicyclic aryl or heteroaryl; and X is CH₂, O, or S.
 6. Use of claim 5 wherein R³ in said compound is naphthyl or benzothienyl.
 7. Use of claim 2, said compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof; wherein Ar is aryl, heteroaryl, CH₂-aryl, CH₂-heteroaryl, O-aryl, O-heteroaryl, S-aryl, or S-heteroaryl.
 8. Use of claim 2 wherein J in said compound is CH₂OH.
 9. Use of claim 2 wherein J in said compound is CH₂CHOH.
 10. Use of claim 1, said compound comprising

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof; wherein R⁵ is aryl, heteroaryl, CH₂-aryl, O-aryl, S-aryl, CH₂-heteroaryl, O-heteroaryl, or S-heteroaryl.
 11. A compound consisting of

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof. 